In less than a year, Core Facilities has expanded their drop-in activities from one participating unit to four.
Bioinformatics and Data Centre has offered drop-in consultations every Thursday for quite some time now. In January, Biobank Väst joined with drop-in sessions every other Thursday. Recently, Centre for Cellular Imaging also began offering drop-in every other Thursday, and the latest addition is Proteomics Core Facility, that will launch its initiative on Thursday, October 23. Soon, four of the research infrastructures within Core Facilities will be available to researchers, offering support across a wide range of expert areas.
Drop-in Enables Direct Contact with the Research Infrastructures
Bioinformatics and Data Centre (BDC)
Every Thursday, 10.00 -11.00 continues to be available för matters regarding:
- Project design
- QC of samples (DNA/RNA)
- NGS library preparation
- DNA Sequencing (WGS, Panels, SimSenSeq, microbial genomes, metagenomics)
- RNA sequencing (total RNA, mRNA, single cell)
- Data analysis support (e.g., type of tools and analyses that best fit your data)
- Data storage
Biobank Väst (BVCF)
Odd Thursdays, 11.00 – 12.00 BVCF continues to be available för matters regarding:
- The Biobanking Act and related regulations
- Biobank applications
- Preparation of ethical applications (biobank sections)
- Material transfer agreements (MTA)
- Handling, storage, and withdrawal of biobank samples
- Hospital integrated biobanking
- Sample processing, such as reformatting, nucleic acid extraction, and isolation of PBMC
- Information about existing biobank samples
- Coordination services for national sample collection and withdrawal.
Centre for Cellular Imaging (CCI)
Even Thursdays, 11.00 -12.00 CCI continues to be available för matters regarding:
- Choosing the right microscopy technique for your sample and research question
- Designing imaging experiments and appropriate controls
- Sample preparation protocols
- Functional and quantitative microscopy
- Setting up analysis workflows
- Quantitative image analysis methods
Proteomics Core Facility (PCF)
Odd Thursdays, 12.00 -13.00 PCF are available för matters regarding:
- Study design
- Selection of proteomics workflow and MS analysis for any biological material and species
- New DIA proteomics for precision medicine
- P2 plasma enrichment for deep and reproducible plasma profiling
Expert knowledge and state-of-the-art technology for future research and healthcare
It is common for research studies in the fields of medicine and natural sciences to involve one or more of the research infrastructures gathered under Core Facilities. These infrastructures offer the latest technology and analytical methods in a variety of areas, along with the expert knowledge needed to support the execution of research studies.
Enabling research is the core mission of the research infrastructures, and ultimately, there is hope that results from studies supported by these infrastructures will lead to concrete treatments for diseases, new drugs, and vaccines.
In addition to supporting research, Core Facilities is also a dynamic and interactive environment for learning and development. Core Facilities is committed to spreading knowledge within the research community and also educates PhD students. They participate in national and international networks and regularly organize their own events. These activities ensure high-quality support for users.
Most users of the research infrastructures come from the departments of Sahlgrenska Academy, but researchers from other universities and industry are also welcome.
Drop-in is a proven and appreciated activity
Bioinformatics and Data Centre was the first to offer drop-in consultations.
“Our goal is to make expert knowledge readily available — not just when a project begins, but at any stage where researchers might need input. It’s rewarding to see how these interactions spark new ideas and collaborations”, says Marcela Davila, Unit Manager.
The drop-in consultations are published as calendar events on the Staff Portal. Some sessions are also available via Zoom link.
Read more about Core Facilities infrastructures at Core Facilities, University of Gothenburg.
